Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson could be making her way to Linlithgow… if a bid by West Lothian Council succeeds. It was announced at the Cannes Film Festival this week that the top actress has been signed to play Mary, Queen of Scots â€” the tragic monarch who was born at Linlithgow Palace.

The new movie is set to become one of the most significant historical films about Scotland since Braveheart.

And, keen to get a slice of the big-budget Hollywood epic, the council is planning to invite the production company to film at the birthplace of Mary Stuart.

Linlithgow Councillor, Provost Tom Kerr said: “Scarlett Johansson is the latest in a long line of top film stars to play Mary, Queen of Scots.

“This will be a major international production which could rival the success of Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.”

“We plan to make the production company aware of the importance of Linlithgow’s connection with Mary, Queen of Scots and ask them to consider filming in our historic town.

”It would be yet another coup for tourism in the Royal Burgh.”

Fellow Linlithgow Councillor Martyn Day, who represents the council on the Edinburgh and Lothians area tourism partnership, is also keen for the town to cash in.

He said: “We would certainly offer help with the filming of this important new movie.

“A new film about Mary, Queen of Scots could help give a massive boost to tourism in West Lothian and attract thousands of additional visitors to Linlithgow.”